Members of the Watertown Community,
Recently, a satirical piece circulated concerning the most recent Board of Education meeting. While satire can sometimes be a tool for commentary, in this instance, the content was misleading and counterproductive to fostering a constructive relationship between the community and the district. Inaccurate and selective reporting does not serve the public good and, more importantly, detracts from our shared goal of supporting the students of our district.
The article highlighted one board member’s late arrival due to a scheduling conflict but failed to note that another member was delayed due to unforeseen vehicle issues, and a third was unable to attend altogether. By omitting this context, the article unfairly singled out one individual, presenting an incomplete picture of the situation. Additionally, the claim that a board member fell asleep during the meeting is not only false but also inappropriate.
We encourage the community to seek out accurate information through the following means:
Attend board meetings in person. While meeting times are generally consistent, please refer to the posted agenda for any changes in time or location.
Join virtually through the meeting link provided on the agenda.
View meeting recordings and preliminary minutes, typically available on BoardDocs within a week.
Contact district leadership via phone or email for any clarifications or questions.
It’s important to remember that School Board members serve primarily as volunteers, dedicating an estimated 5–15 hours per week to this role. They balance these responsibilities alongside their professional and personal commitments, driven by a deep commitment to our students and the broader community.
Time is one of the most valuable contributions a person can make. Our board members invest theirs generously, often at personal cost. Their dedication deserves respect, not ridicule. If any member of the community is interested in contributing to this important work, we encourage participation in future board elections, which are held annually.
Let’s continue working together, constructively and respectfully, to support our schools and the students we serve.
Sincerely,
Craig Wortman
President
WUSD Board of Education